Ag secretary booed for endorsing GM crops
Says choosing between organic and industrial ag like choosing one son over another

by Sustainable Food News
October 13, 2009

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said Tuesday the government will not rule out the use of genetically modified crops, saying industrial agriculture contributes 75 percent of the U.S. food and fiber supply.

“That’s not likely to change - in the short term,” Vilsack said, according to the Des Moines Register. “So we create opportunities for smaller (farms) to become mid-sized and for mid-sized folks to stay in business. We create more transparency and better marketing opportunities, through some livestock regulations we’re looking at, to make sure that the small producer has a fair break, a fair shake.”

Vilsack was speaking to the Community Food Security Coalition conference in Des Moines.

One person in the audience asked Vilsack how the USDA can both advocate for GM crops and help smaller, sustainable farming operations, according to the Register.

“I have two sons and I love them both. And your question sort of, kind of asks, ‘Which son do you love the most?’” he replied, according to the Register.

Vilsack was booed when he said genetically modified crops were necessary to feed the world, the Register said. The paper said Vilsack also spent about 30 minutes extolling the virtues of organic agriculture.